Senior Payroll Partner - 6 Months Fixed Term in London

Dr. Martens is a globally recognisable and culturally influential British brand, with over 60 years of rich heritage. As brand custodians, we are lucky to work for a dynamic, thriving, and ethical business, with people from diverse backgrounds, who bring their true selves to work, and where anyone can grow their career. We are guided by three core values that are at the heart of everything we do: be yourself, act courageously, and show you care. They make us who we are and inspire us to push boundaries, embrace our individuality, and stand up for what’s right.

The gig: We are looking for an experienced Senior Payroll Partner to join our team on a 6‐month fixed‐term basis. During a period of payroll process standardisation, this role will focus on delivering business‐as‐usual activity across the UK and EU, ensuring colleagues are paid accurately and on time. You’ll act as the main point of contact for payroll queries, work closely with third‐party providers and support continuous improvement.

As our Senior Payroll Partner, you will be responsible for:

• Managing monthly payroll processing for salaried and hourly colleagues across the UK and EU.
• Ensuring full compliance with local tax, social security, and statutory requirements.
• Overseeing accurate data submission to outsourced payroll providers, including timesheets, absences, and ad‐hoc payments.
• Coordinating in‐country benefits such as Employee Share Schemes and discounted goods.
• Processing earnings, deductions, and year‐end payroll activity in line with legislation.
• Acting as the first point of contact for payroll queries, escalating where needed.
• Producing monthly and ad‐hoc payroll reports, supporting HR and Finance with reconciliations.
• Working with payroll providers to optimise systems, improve processes, and reduce manual intervention.
• Staying up to date with UK and EU payroll legislation and best practice.
• Supporting compliance, policy updates, and business continuity for payroll processing.

The stuff that sets you apart: Put simply, for this role the key things we’re looking for are:

• Extensive payroll experience, with strong UK and EU legislative knowledge.
• Experience working with complex benefits, including share schemes.
• A proven track record in fast‐paced, high‐volume environments (retail or payroll bureau experience is a plus).
• Strong systems knowledge and advanced Excel skills.
• Confidence with manual calculations, tax queries, and troubleshooting.
• Excellent stakeholder management and customer service skills.
• A CIPP qualification (or qualified by experience).

What’s in it for you?

• Hybrid working
• Welcome to the family free pair of Docs
• 65% off all Docs
• Private healthcare
• A dedicated culture team
• 2 paid volunteer days per year

At Dr. Martens, we are committed to creating an environment in which we can all be our best and bring our authentic selves to work. We encourage applications, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, veteran status, or disability. Diverse and inclusive teams have a positive impact on our brand; helping us to speak authentically to our consumers. We strive to develop a business where our people can thrive and feel empowered to express themselves. Because we believe everyone should feel supported and included whatever their role in the Dr. Martens community.